Given a rare chance to impress under Jurgen Klopp, the maligned Belgian striker missed a number of chances - including a seemingly gilt-edged header late on.

The 25-year-old did set up Joe Allen's first-half opener against the Hornets, but overall the former Aston Villa hitman, a £32.5 million signing last summer, did little to justify his selection at Anfield yesterday.

Liverpool fans have been forced to be patient with their club's hefty investment through a lack of fitness and form, but patience appears to be wearing thin after a host of supporters slammed the forward on Twitter afterwards.

Back from a great day at Anfield. My son's first game... On the Kop too. And must say that Joe Allen was immense today. Benteke not so #lfc

It remains to be seen whether Klopp has a long-term plan for Benteke - who was signed by the German's predecessor Brendan Rodgers - but the evidence may suggest that his future on Merseyside looks rather bleak.

The Reds have a host of striking options, with Divock Origi, Daniel Sturridge and fit-again Danny Ings perhaps vying for the number nine role next season, which leaves Benteke at something of a crossroads.

Shane Callaghan

Shane is a Dublin-based sports writer who swapped the football pitch for the press box upon learning that he was better with a pen than with a round bit of leather. Prior to joining HITC, Shane enjoyed spells with Sports Mole and Goal.com among others, while he was also club reporter for Irish football club Drogheda United.